NicklasBackstrom's status for the start of the NHL's shortened season remains uncertain.

He suffered a neck injury after falling awkwardly into the boards during a game with Dynamo Moscow of the KHL on Dec. 26. Washington GM George McPhee said he can't give an update on Backstrom until the ratification process for the new CBA is compete. "There are some things we can talk about, some things we can't, and we can't talk about the fitness or health of any players until training camp," McPhee said Tuesday. "I'd be happy then."